Nehemiah 12 17

Nehemiah 12:17 kjv

Of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadiah, Piltai:

Nehemiah 12:17 nkjv

of Abijah, Zichri; the son of Minjamin; of Moadiah, Piltai;

Nehemiah 12:17 niv

of Abijah's, Zikri; of Miniamin's and of Moadiah's, Piltai;

Nehemiah 12:17 esv

of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadiah, Piltai;

Nehemiah 12:17 nlt

Zicri was leader of the family of Abijah.
There was also a leader of the family of Miniamin.
Piltai was leader of the family of Moadiah.

Nehemiah 12 verses

Nehemiah 12 17 Meaning

Nehemiah 12:17 records two additional heads of priestly families: Miniamin, and from Moadiah's line, Piltai. This verse contributes to the meticulous historical and administrative listing of priests and Levites who were active during the time of Nehemiah, specifically identifying leadership roles during the high priesthood of Joiakim. It serves as an official acknowledgment of those entrusted with carrying out the divine service in the restored community in Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 12 17 Context

Nehemiah chapter 12 details the return of priests and Levites who came up with Zerubbabel and Jeshua, and those who served during the time of the high priest Joiakim. The chapter essentially lists the heads of priestly and Levitical families, along with musicians, ensuring that the roles for the Temple service were properly accounted for. Verses 12-21 provide a specific list of the heads of the fathers' houses of the priests in the days of Joiakim, who was the son of Jeshua. This context underscores the administrative precision necessary for the re-establishment of the community and the proper functioning of temple worship after the return from exile. Verse 17, with its names, is part of this crucial genealogical and organizational record, highlighting the continuity and structure of the covenant community's service to God.

Nehemiah 12 17 Word analysis

• Of (לְ-, le-): A preposition indicating belonging, pertaining to, or in the lineage of. Here, it denotes descent or identification with a particular priestly house or individual named.
• Miniamin (מִנְיָמִין, Minyamin): This name appears several times in the Old Testament, potentially referring to different individuals. It means "from the right hand" or "appointed." The repetition of "Miniamin, Miniamin" in the text is significant. It might indicate two different individuals with the same name, or perhaps a scribal emphasis, or even a branch of the family designated with the name of its original progenitor. In 1 Chronicles 24:9, "Mijamin" (a variant spelling) is listed among the courses of priests established by David. Its presence here signifies a priestly lineage carrying this designation.
• Moadiah (מוֹעַדְיָה, Moʿadyah): This name means "appointed of Yahweh" or "festival of Yahweh." It points to a distinct priestly house or family leader whose descendants or representatives are then listed. It signifies that this family was recognized as serving God's appointed times and purposes.
• Piltai (פִּלְטַי, Piltay): Meaning "my deliverance" or "delivered by Yahweh." Piltai is identified here as "of Moadiah," meaning he belongs to the family or lineage headed by Moadiah, potentially as its specific representative or head during Joiakim's time. The name reflects a theological conviction prevalent among those returning from exile, recognizing God's deliverance.

Words-group analysis:

• "Of Miniamin, Miniamin": The repetition of the name "Miniamin" within a list of individuals representing specific priestly houses draws attention to this entry. This precise and deliberate recording emphasizes either a distinct family line named Miniamin, a second prominent individual with the same name, or simply meticulous record-keeping ensuring every key figure is counted for the re-established service structure. Such detailing reinforces the importance of lineage and identity within the post-exilic community for establishing legitimacy and order in the temple service.
• "Of Moadiah, Piltai": This phrase precisely identifies Piltai as a leader associated with or belonging to the priestly family of Moadiah. This structure highlights the system of familial organization and representation within the priesthood. It underscores the emphasis on accountability and order, demonstrating how specific individuals were recognized as responsible leaders for distinct priestly functions and services. These listings represent the foundational administrative framework that upheld the restored worship in Jerusalem, indicating the continuity of the priestly system even after exile.

Nehemiah 12 17 Bonus section

• The exhaustive nature of the lists in Nehemiah 12 confirms the Jewish community's deep-seated respect for lineage and heredity, especially concerning the priesthood. This was not merely tribal pride but a divinely ordained system critical for proving one's right to serve in the Tabernacle/Temple.
• The meticulous genealogical records also served as evidence of the fulfillment of divine promises concerning Abraham's descendants and the enduring nature of the Davidic covenant and the Levitical priesthood (cf. Jer 33:18).
• For the returned exiles, these lists provided assurance of identity and belonging, fostering unity and a shared purpose in rebuilding. Every name, even in short entries like this one, represented a vital link in the chain of God's redemptive history.

Nehemiah 12 17 Commentary

Nehemiah 12:17, while seemingly a simple list of names, is deeply significant. It speaks to the meticulously maintained records of the priestly and Levitical families essential for the restoration of Israel's covenant life after the Babylonian exile. The very act of naming these individuals—Miniamin, Moadiah, and Piltai—underscores God's personal attention to the lineage and organization of His people. These names, otherwise obscure to us, represent living members of God's chosen nation who were committed to rebuilding not just physical walls but the spiritual infrastructure of worship. This detailed record highlights the importance of order, heritage, and the divine provision of leadership for spiritual functions. The continued, structured priestly service ensured that the Temple's ordinances were faithfully carried out, crucial for maintaining the people's covenant relationship with God. The passage reflects a profound understanding that the integrity of the community and its worship depended on faithful men upholding their inherited sacred duties. It serves as a testament to God's providence in preserving His people and the continuity of His redemptive plan through generations, even through great hardship.